Organic Acid Feed Additives for Viral-Contaminated Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
The risk of viral infection in animals due to consumption of viral-contaminated feed is a significant concern, as demonstrated by the introduction of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) via contaminated feed ingredients, with existing feed additives not effectively reducing viral survival and load.
Innovation Solution
Administering a feed additive comprising a mixture of organic acids, such as 2-hydroxy(methylthio)butanoic acid (HMTBA), benzoic acid, and fumaric acid, to animals to reduce the risk of viral infection from feed contaminated with viruses like PEDV, PRRSV, or SVA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing feed additives are used, then animals are fed to maintain basic nutrition, but viral survival and viral load in contaminated feed are not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite feed additive comprising multiple organic acids (formic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid) rather than a single additive. This composite approach synergistically reduces viral load in contaminated feed while maintaining animal health and feed palatability, resolving the contradiction between reliable viral reduction and additive effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the feed environment by introducing specific organic acids that lower pH and create conditions unfavorable for viral survival. This parameter change effectively reduces viral load without compromising the nutritional quality or acceptability of the feed
2Duration of action of stationary object
If feed is contaminated with viruses during transboundary shipping, then viral pathogens survive in feed ingredients, but animal infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies organic acid feed additives in advance to reduce viral load in feed before animals consume it. This preliminary action decreases the viral burden in contaminated feed, thereby reducing the infection risk when animals eat the feed, addressing the contradiction between extended viral survival and reduced harm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of organic acids on viruses into a beneficial outcome. The same organic acids that create harmful conditions for viral survival (low pH, chemical disruption) are used to reduce viral load, transforming the potential harm into a protective effect against viral infection
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for reducing the risk of viral infection in animals due to consumption of viral contaminated feed. The methods comprise administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a feed additive, wherein the feed additive comprises a mixture of organic acids. The methods can be used to reduce the risk of infection in animals whose feed may or may not be contaminated with certain viruses.